Are aphids invading your garden? These tiny pests might look harmless, but they can spread fast and suck the life out of your plants. Instead of grabbing harsh chemicals, why not let nature do the work? Plants that repel aphids are a natural, eco-friendly way to protect your garden. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 powerful plant defenders that can keep your garden healthy, without the need for pesticides.
How Do Plants Repel Aphids?
Before we jump into the list, let’s take a quick look at how plants actually repel aphids. Aphids are drawn to plants with soft leaves and nutrient-rich sap. But some plants have natural defenses that either scare aphids off or make them uncomfortable. Here’s how these plants work their magic:
- Strong Scents: Many plants give off powerful scents that aphids find unbearable. These smells cover up the scents of plants aphids usually go for, keeping them away.
- Essential Oils: Plants like mint and garlic produce oils that act as natural repellents. When aphids come into contact with these oils, they get a strong, unpleasant signal to stay far away.
- Trap Crops: Some plants are like magnets for aphids, drawing them away from your precious crops. These “trap crops” lure aphids in, so they feed on these plants instead of your vegetables or flowers.
- Companion Planting: By planting certain species next to each other, you can boost your pest control. Some plants naturally repel aphids, while others attract aphid-eating insects like ladybugs to help keep the problem under control.
Now that we know how plants can repel aphids, let’s dive into the top 10 plants you can grow to protect your garden.
Top 10 Plants That Repel Aphids
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are famous for their vibrant flowers and their ability to keep pests at bay. Their strong scent is a turn-off for aphids and many other insects, making them a top choice for pest control. Plus, marigolds are super easy to grow in sunny spots and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which love to snack on aphids.
How to grow: Plant marigolds in full sun with well-drained soil.
Bonus: Marigolds also help repel nematodes and whiteflies, making them an all-around garden defender.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums aren’t just pretty to look at—they also act as trap crops for aphids. Aphids are drawn to these plants, so planting them near your veggies helps pull aphids away from your main crops. And the best part? Nasturtiums have edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor, perfect for adding to salads.
How to grow: Nasturtiums love full sun and don’t need rich soil to thrive.
Bonus: They attract helpful insects like bees and butterflies, which also help pollinate your other plants.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has been a natural insect repellent for centuries. Its strong, pungent smell keeps aphids, as well as other pests like mosquitoes and Japanese beetles, away. Garlic is super easy to grow and can be planted around your garden to protect your other plants.
How to grow: Plant garlic cloves in fall or spring in well-drained soil with plenty of sun.
Bonus: Garlic isn’t just great for pest control—it’s also an awesome addition to your kitchen!
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives, a close relative of garlic and onions, are natural aphid repellents. Their strong smell helps keep aphids away, and they can be planted next to veggies like tomatoes and peppers to protect them from pest damage.
How to grow: Chives love sunny spots and well-drained soil.
Bonus: Chives are edible, so you can enjoy them in your cooking too!
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil’s aromatic oils not only make your dishes tastier, but they also keep aphids and other pests at bay. Planting basil near tomatoes and other veggies can help prevent aphid infestations while adding a burst of flavor to your meals.
How to grow: Basil thrives in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.
Bonus: Basil attracts pollinators and predatory insects, which can help further reduce aphid numbers in your garden.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender’s strong scent is a fantastic natural aphid repellent. Not only does this fragrant herb add beauty to your garden, but it also helps keep aphids away. Plus, lavender attracts bees and butterflies, boosting pollination in your garden.
How to grow: Lavender thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.
Bonus: Lavender also keeps moths and fleas at bay, making it a great all-around pest deterrent.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint’s essential oils make it a super effective insect repellent. It not only keeps aphids away but also helps drive off mosquitoes and cockroaches. Mint grows fast, making it a great plant to fill in empty spots in your garden.
How to grow: Plant mint in containers to prevent it from spreading too much. It thrives in partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Bonus: Fresh mint leaves are perfect for adding to drinks, desserts, and more!
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Fennel is a fantastic companion plant that helps repel aphids by attracting predators that eat them. Its fragrant flowers and strong scent make it a great plant for drawing aphids away from your other crops.
How to grow: Fennel loves full sun and moderately rich soil.
Bonus: Fennel attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which can help keep aphid numbers in check.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip is famous for driving cats wild, but it’s also great at keeping aphids away! It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which acts as a natural aphid repellent.
How to grow: Plant catnip in full sun with well-drained soil.
Bonus: Not only does catnip protect your garden, but it also gives your feline friends something fun to enjoy!
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel is a top-notch companion plant that helps keep aphids in check by attracting natural predators that feed on them. Its fragrant flowers and strong scent make it perfect for luring aphids away from your veggies and flowers.
How to grow: Fennel loves full sun and grows best in moderately rich, well-drained soil.
Bonus: Fennel invites helpful insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, giving your garden a natural pest-fighting boost.
Make the Most of These Natural Aphid Fighters
Now that you know which plants can help keep aphids away, here are a few simple tips to use them like a pro in your garden:
- Companion Planting: Team up aphid-repelling plants with crops aphids usually go after. Try planting basil near tomatoes or marigolds by your beans to give your plants some extra defense.
- Keep Your Garden Healthy: Strong, well-cared-for plants are less attractive to pests. Make sure to water, prune, and mulch regularly so your garden stays tough and resistant to bugs.
- Smart Plant Placement: Place your pest-repelling plants in key spots—like garlic around roses or mint near your veggies—to help protect your garden where it needs it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant gets rid of aphids?
Plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, and garlic can help get rid of aphids. They either repel them with strong scents or attract them away from your main crops.
What do aphids hate the most in the garden?
Aphids hate strong scents like those from garlic, basil, and lavender. These plants help keep aphids away naturally without chemicals.
What scent repels aphids?
Aphids dislike scents from garlic, mint, and lavender. These strong smells make aphids steer clear of your plants.
Do banana peels keep aphids away?
Banana peels can help deter aphids! Aphids apparently dislike the smell of bananas. Placing peels around your plants might help keep them away, and spraying your plants with banana peel “tea” can offer even more protection.
